CaitlinMcKinlay

By: Dana Mitchell, Communications & Outreach Intern

 

For over 100 years, Glebe Meat Market has supplied fine meat products and the timeless taste of a home-cooked meal. 

 

The business first opened its doors in 1920 at 793 Bank Street. Originally owned and operated by the Faith brothers, the business was eventually sold to Harry Amada. André Sauvé, one of Amada’s part-time cutters, purchased the business in 1975 after selling his own butcher store in Orléans.  

 

Glebe Meat Market is now run by André’s son Stephane, who started his career in the meat industry at the age of thirteen. The current owner recalls his early days building forts with delivery boxes and separating chicken organs. After moving properties a few years later, Sauvé helped his father renovate the interior of the store, making it into the quaint establishment that it is today. 

 

Sauvé took over the business in the 1990s, and while he’s faced challenges due to the pandemic and an ever-changing market, he says it’s interacting with the customers that makes his job worthwhile.  

 

“I love my customers,” says the business owner. “I like when they come in with questions or with a recipe I’ve never tried. The other thing is that I love cooking food, and a lot of my friends are chefs, so it’s always fun talking about that stuff.” 

 

Over the years, the Glebe neighbourhood has grown up around the butcher shop, which continues to serve the community faithfully. As an independent, family-run business, it maintains a heritage feel while staying current with evolving consumer needs. 

 

“We have a lot of regular customers and some families have been shopping here for generations,” says Sauvé. “But most of our customers come for the special stuff that they can’t find anywhere else, stuff that they can’t sell at larger supermarkets because it doesn’t move fast enough.” 

 

Adorning the walls and shelves of the store are a variety of antique implements, some of which were used over a century ago when the business first opened. Other items were acquired by Sauvé and his father, who share a passion for antiques, including an old cash register that they exchanged for a side of beef. These details call back to an earlier time and make shopping at Glebe Meat Market a truly unique experience.  

 

“We’ve always tried to keep the store old-fashioned,” says Sauvé. “All the pies are my grandmother’s recipes. We also sell cretons, sausage rolls, and scotch eggs for the British. We want to keep those old recipes alive.”   

 

Traditional food preparation techniques and recipes allow the business to remain connected to its rich history. Sauvé says that he’s still learning from his parents to ensure these culinary traditions persist into the future. 

 

“My parents make the relishes at their farm, and we do all the canning there,” he says. “People get disappointed when they don’t have the old ketchup with our tourtière. That’s the tradition. You can use Heinz, but it’s not the same.” 

 

In addition to their food products, Glebe Meat Market offers cooking advice and instructions to customers. Sauvé has a small but mighty team of five employees, some of whom have been working with him for over thirty years. The team brings their personal expertise to the shop and welcomes inquiries from seasoned cooks and culinary beginners alike. 

 

“All my staff are full-time,” says the owner. “They all know how to cook and how to help the customer, so when people come here, they know they’ll get the answers they need.” 

 

One of the business’s newest traditions is its haggis, which has become an acclaimed signature dish. Sauvé first developed the recipe twenty-five years ago after taking a customer’s request into his own hands. There followed a months-long effort to perfect the recipe, which included extensive research and taste testing. Eventually Sauvé’s labours paid off and the recipe quickly gained traction locally and internationally. In their best year, he says the business sold two tons of haggis, some of which was shipped as far away as the North Pole. 

 

The wide reach of Glebe Meat Market speaks to the dedication of Sauvé and his team, who care about their clients and take the time to prepare high-quality products. In the words of one Scottish customer, their haggis “tastes like home.” 

 

You can visit Glebe Meat Market at 869 Bank Street or check out their website to learn more. 

Hockey fans, get ready for an unforgettable experience! The IIHF World Junior Championships are making their way to TD Place at Lansdowne Park in The Glebe, and the excitement is already in the air. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic outing with friends and family, The Glebe is the place to be. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in our vibrant neighbourhood during this thrilling event.

 

Getting to The Glebe

The Glebe is centrally located in Ottawa and easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

• Public Transit: Travel on OC Transpo is free for World Juniors ticketholders and volunteers for every preliminary and tournament game between Thursday, December 19 and Sunday, January 5. Ticketholders can travel on buses, O-Train Line 1, and Para Transpo for free up to three hours before and three hours after the event on the date their game ticket is valid. Simply show your game ticket to the bus or Para Transpo operator, the customer service representative, or use the video chat feature on ticket machines at Line 1 stations to request access through the fare gate. Volunteers can ride for free all day on game days by showing their volunteer credentials. The #6 bus stops right in the heart of The Glebe, while the O-Train’s Line #1 brings you close enough to catch a quick bus or stroll to the area.

• Driving & Parking: While the Glebe is pedestrian-friendly, there are several parking options for those arriving by car. The TD Place underground parking lot at Lansdowne Park is a convenient choice–though it will likely fill up quickly. Additionally, there are municipal parking lots at Bank and Chamberlain Ave and 2^nd Ave. Limited on-street parking spots are also available throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to check posted signs for time limits and fees.
• Shuttles: Free shuttle service is available from Carleton University running approximately every 15 minutes. Guests can park at Carleton U in the P5, P7, or P18 lot and use the free shuttle, which picks up and drops off on the east side of the P18 lot. Note that guests are responsible for parking fees.

 

What to Do Before and After the Game

Attending a game is just the start of your adventure in The Glebe. Make a day of it with these fun activities:

• Explore the Shops: The Glebe is home to unique boutiques and specialty stores. Whether you’re hunting for your team’s flag to wave at the game or a cozy winter accessory, you’ll find it here.
• Take a Stroll: Wander through Lansdowne Park and enjoy the scenic views and points of interest along the Rideau Canal. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of Ottawa in winter.
• Visit Fanfest: Located at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion right next to TD Place, Fan Fest is a free, family-friendly event for all ages to enhance your World Juniors experience.

 

Where to Eat

Fuel up before the game or celebrate a victory afterward at one of The Glebe’s fantastic restaurants. The Glebe has nearly 80 food and beverage options for you to enjoy, so no matter what you’re craving, we’ve got the perfect thing.

• Cafes & Bakeries: Looking for a mid-day treat? Pick up a hot drink and baked goods at one of the neighbourhood’s cafes
• Bars & Pubs: Grab a drink and quick bite at one of the Glebe’s pubs. If you don’t have tickets to the game, stick around and join a watch party!
• Gourmet & Fine Dining: Make it a date night! Book a reservation at one of the Glebe’s beautiful restaurants to begin or end your evening.

 

Make It a Day to Remember

The IIHF World Junior Championships are a premier event that brings the best young hockey talent from around the world to the ice. Take advantage of this opportunity to watch world class hockey and enjoy one of Ottawa’s unique neighbourhoods. From shopping to dining to exploring the charm of our community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, grab your tickets, bundle up, and join us in The Glebe for an unforgettable celebration of hockey, community, and winter fun. Let’s show the world why Ottawa is a top-notch destination for sports and entertainment!

By: Dana Mitchell, Communications & Outreach Intern

 

When Eastman Davidson opened Davidson’s Glebe Jewellers in 1939, his peers were baffled by the decision to settle in a new suburb outside of Ottawa’s downtown core. Despite the initial doubt, Davidson’s quickly grew into a flourishing business that has been a pillar of the Glebe community for eighty-five years. 

 

Eastman Davidson was born in Ottawa in 1912. While attending high school in Detroit, where his family moved during the Depression, Davidson started his education in jewellery design and worked security for a jewellery store. After moving back to Ottawa in 1932, Davidson took up watchmaking and eventually opened a repair shop in his living room on Gladstone Avenue. It wasn’t long before he decided to open his own store, with $200 and the support of Bulova Watch Company and William Rogers Silver Co. One year later, he married Margaret Flack, who helped run the business until they retired in 1982. 

 

Davidson’s daughter, Judy Richards, decided to join the family business in 1972 and make it her full-time career.  Richards began working at Davidson’s Jewellers when she was ten years old, folding boxes for two cents apiece which she would promptly spend on treats from the corner store. She recalls how a few years later, while waiting for her mother to finish work, she was instructed to help a customer and was swiftly pushed to the front of the store.  

 

“That was my introduction to retail,” she jokes. “I was thrown right in.” 

 

After the official purchase of Davidson’s Jewellers from her parents in 1982, Richards built upon their legacy for thirty years—providing a welcoming shopping experience, quality products, and expert service. Throughout her career, Richards received many awards and served on the Boards of business and community-based organizations, including the Glebe BIA. For the former owner, the Glebe community is integral to the business’s history and its continued success. 

 

“The Glebe has always been our community,” says Richards. “I was born and raised in the Glebe, or just on the fringes, and went to all the schools here. Since coming into the business, I’ve known three generations of customers: my dad’s original clients; their children, who became my clients; and the third generation of those families who continue to support Davidson’s Jewellers.” 

 

In 2010, John Anderson became the president of Davidson’s Jewellers as Richards started a five-year transition period into retirement. Trained in gemology and jewellery appraisal, Anderson joined the team in 2007 on what he thought would be a short-term basis; however, a well-timed conversation in 2008 convinced him to stay and take over the company. Both Anderson and Richards consider this a serendipitous encounter—Anderson wanted to open his own store and Richards admired his principles and strong work ethic, traits, she says, that remind her of her father.  

 

On November 27, 2024, Davidson’s Jewellers will celebrate its 85th anniversary. Now the oldest jewellery store in the city, the business still honours its rich history while remaining a cutting-edge, highly accredited establishment. When asked about the secret to their longevity, Anderson says it’s the business’s ability to adapt to changing community needs that has made all the difference. 

 

“The company’s been here for 85 years, but what we’re doing isn’t old school,” says the current owner. “We’re still at the forefront of the jewellery industry, whether it’s with the product, our services, or the technology we use.” 

 

These advancements would not be possible without the skilled staff members working at Davidson’s. Enrico Crivellari, the current general manager, joined the team in 2013. With over thirty years of experience, he helped launch the company into its next chapter. Other members of the team offer a wide array of expertise, including appraisals, goldsmithing, custom design, and insurance replacement.  

 

“We’ve got the best team here that we’ve ever had,” says Anderson. “It’s fantastic when you come into a place where everybody is on the same page and is happy with their work. It’s very rewarding.” 

 

Whether it’s the friendly staff, the trendy products, or the reliable services, there’s plenty of reasons why customers keep coming back to Davidson’s Jewellers. Over the years, this loyalty has enabled the business to invest in its own operations and the prosperity of the larger Glebe community. 

 

As Crivellari puts it: “The foundation was already there. All that we’ve done is take it and build it up to a different level.” 

 

For more information on Davidson’s Jewellers, visit their website or drop by their location on the corner of Bank Street and Third Avenue. 

By: Dana Mitchell, Communications & Outreach Intern

 

When you walk into Compact Music, you’ll likely be greeted by Ian Boyd, the self-proclaimed “old man in the record store.” He owns the store along with his brother, James, who makes less frequent “cameos” behind the counter. Together, they form a dynamic and passionate duo who have been selling records in Ottawa for over four decades. 

 

The Boyd brothers’ journey into the world of music retail began right out of school. With youthful ambition and a deep-rooted love for music, they used a government grant to fund what would become their first venture: an outdoor record store. Their initial inventory was drawn from their personal collection, which consisted of over 800 records. As demand grew, so did their collection, and Ian would often hitchhike to Toronto to bring back boxes of inventory. 

 

“I remember my first day I sold seven records, and I thought, I’m going to be rich,” says Ian. “Of course, I’m not, but I’ve loved going to work every day and that counts for a lot.” 

 

Compact Music came into existence in 1991 with their first location at Westgate Mall. The Glebe location opened in 1996, the day before the Great Glebe Garage Sale, which Ian and James describe as one of the business’s best days.  

 

“I was stunned by how busy it was,” recalls Ian. “From that first day, I knew the Glebe would be a great place to be a retailer.” 

 

Ian and James’s love for music began at an early age. The brothers remember staying up late in 1964 to watch the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, a pivotal moment that left a lasting mark on their lives. James, who was four at the time, witnessed the whole performance, while six-year-old Ian dozed off, waking only to catch a brief glimpse of the music legends exiting the stage.  

 

Growing up, Ian describes himself as a musical child, one who eagerly participated in choir and band. James, on the other hand, was more inclined towards sports in his youth. Despite these differences, it was their shared love for music and buying records that ultimately brought them together, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong partnership in the music industry. 

 

“We’ve had good luck with staff, but it’s mainly my brother and I that have worked six days a week for the past twenty-seven years,” says Ian. “When we were younger it was hard, but we’re having more fun now than we ever have.” 

 

It was the Boyds’ mother who first introduced them to classical music and the poetic lyricism of artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond. Their father, though occasionally frustrated by their loud music choices, also played a significant role in shaping their musical tastes. These childhood influences fostered an appreciation for musical discovery and community that the Boyd brothers carry into their business practices—making Compact Music a place where music lovers can explore, discover, and connect with music in a way that transcends the digital realm. 

 

“We get people in from all over the world,” says James. “They’ll say: I’ve been to fifty record stores in forty different cities, and I’ve never seen this. And that’s the beauty of the business––you never know what you’re going to find.” 

 

When asked about their lifelong passion for music, both agree on the power of a well-crafted song and its ability to bring people together. In essence, that’s also what the business aims to achieve. Every inch of Compact Music is covered in merchandise that encompasses a wide variety of genres and media types, creating an eclectic environment that caters to diverse audiences. 

 

“To be a good and successful store you need to have selection,” says Ian. “You need to have everything. And that’s our philosophy: we’re an art gallery for music.” 

 

Over the years, the Boyd brothers have witnessed the rapid evolution of music tastes and trends. Despite the ongoing popularity of music streaming and digitization, they recognize the continued need for brick-and-mortar establishments like Compact Music, which has proudly served the Glebe community for twenty-seven years. 

 

For James, the decision to open Compact Music was simple: “We thought, what are we going to do in life? Let’s have a record store. Why not?” 

 

You can visit Compact Music at 785 Bank Street or check out their website and social media for more information. 

Calling all goblins and ghouls!

We’re excited to announce our Halloween Colouring Contest, featuring a special Halloween-themed colouring page designed by local artist Jordan Childs! Kids (and the young at heart) can show off their creativity for a chance to win spook-tacular prizes from your favourite Glebe businesses.

How to Enter:

1. Visit local Glebe businesses to pick up your colouring page.
2. Let your imagination run wild and colour it in with your favorite spooky colours.
3. Submit your finished masterpiece by emailing a photo to info@intheglebe.ca with the subject line “Halloween Colouring Contest” or by posting it on Instagram and tagging @intheglebe and @artbyjordanchilds
4. Be sure to include the child’s (or your) name and age

Winners will be chosen from the following age categories: 0-7 years, 8-12 years, 13-18 years , and 18+ years

Contest Dates:

• Contest opens: October 11th, 2024
• Submission deadline: October 31st, 2024
• Winners announced: November 1st, 2024

Terms & Conditions:

• Open to colouring fans of all ages.
• One entry per person.
• By submitting an entry, parents/guardians give permission for their child’s artwork to be shared on The Glebe’s social media channels.
• Winners will be contacted via email or Instagram DM.

Get ready to colour your way into Halloween fun!

By: Dana Mitchell, Communications & Outreach Intern

 

Sports 4 is a trusted footwear retailer that’s bringing its expertise and community-mindedness to the Glebe. 

 

For over forty years, Sports 4 resided in Ottawa’s downtown core at Bank Street and Slater Street. Along with their second location in College Square, the business is known for its welcoming atmosphere and specialized footwear services.  In 2023, after experiencing a decline in foot traffic, owner Jim Macfarlane made the difficult decision to close their downtown location and move to a new area.  

 

Sports 4 opened in the Glebe in Spring 2023, a transition, Macfarlane says, that has been overwhelmingly positive.  

 

“When I came here for the first time I was really impressed by the space,” says the owner. “I like that we’re on a corner across from one of my favourite Mexican restaurants, Feleena’s. I thought, this is meant to be, this is the perfect location.” 

 

Macfarlane started his career at the age of seventeen, working for a chain of stores in Montreal called Four Seasons. After moving to Ottawa, Macfarlane answered an ad in the Ottawa Citizen for part-time help at a similarly named business: Sports 4. He was told over the phone that the position was already filled; however, as he was hanging up, Macfarlane thought he heard something on the other end.  

 

“They told me to bring in my resume to keep on file for the future,” he says. “So, I brought it in, and I don’t know what I did, but they de-hired the original person and hired me instead. It’s cool because the phone was halfway to the wall and if I hadn’t grabbed it back, my whole life changes.” 

 

Once he graduated university, Macfarlane decided to switch career paths—against his parents’ wishes that he become an accountant—and took on a minority partnership in the business. In 2003, Macfarlane bought out his partner to become the sole owner of Sports 4. 

 

“I always loved the idea of working for myself and seeing the direct results of my efforts,” says Mafarlane. “It’s a very rewarding feeling. The more I put into it, the more satisfaction I get. Forty-one years later and I still love it.” 

 

This passion has contributed to the longevity of Sports 4 in the active-wear industry. The team’s knowledge of foot measurement, sizing, and functionality; along with their substantial catalog of shoe styles, has helped solidify their place as footwear specialists. 

 

“To me, it’s important in business these days to focus on something that you know you do well—that you find a niche,” says Macfarlane. “When you try to be everything to everybody, it’s never going to work. You have to be Sports 4, footwear specialists. That’s what we are.” 

 

While customers can shop online on the Sports 4 website, the business emphasizes the importance of in-person service. For Macfarlane, individualized consultations ensure that customers walk away with proper-fitting footwear, a change that can have countless benefits. 

 

“If you have sore feet, it affects everything: your knees, your back, and just your quality of life,” says the owner. “I know it seems like a small thing, but when you get the right shoe, it makes everything better.” 

 

Over the years, Sports 4 has had to adapt its products and services, especially given the demands of a digital, post-pandemic world. During covid, the store adopted virtual consultations and delivery services to meet changing safety regulations. One rented car and two flat tires later, Macfarlane managed to hand deliver 1,800 pairs of shoes across the city and even included seasonal touches like roses and easter eggs to help lift his customers’ spirits. The business owner says that he was grateful to connect with his community during such an isolating time. 

 

Today, Sports 4 continues this service on a smaller scale, offering next-day delivery for any online or phoned-in purchases. The business also enhances the community by supporting various running groups, charitable events, and the Footwear 4 Kids program, an Ottawa-based organization that donates gently used shoes to children in need. 

 

“That’s what I always tell my staff—yes, we’re a business, but we’re service oriented,” says Macfarlane. “We’re only selling people what they need and we’re hopefully improving their lives. That’s why we’ve been around for so long.” 

 

To learn more, visit the Sports 4 website or drop by their Glebe location at the corner of Bank Street and Second Avenue.